Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un formally called South Korea the "most hostile state" and warned of merciless consequences if provoked, the North's state media reported Tuesday. South Korea "is officially designated as the most hostile nation," the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) quoted Kim as saying on the second and final day of the first session of the Supreme People's Assembly.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim stated that South Korea will pay the price for any provocation if Seoul provokes Pyongyang, as reported by the KCNA. The report also mentioned discussions within North Korea about revising its constitution, though it remains unclear if such revisions would officially recognize South Korea as a "hostile state."
Kim emphasized that North Korea's status as a nuclear weapons state is unchangeable and asserted intentions to combat "hostile forces" against Pyongyang. He accused the United States of terrorism and invasions globally, alluding to its ongoing conflict with Iran without directly mentioning U.S. President Donald Trump.
"Dignity, interest, and the final victory of a country can only be guaranteed by the most powerful might," the KCNA quoted Kim. He noted that whether adversaries choose confrontation or peaceful coexistence, North Korea is prepared to respond accordingly.
Kim pledged to enhance North Korea's "defensive nuclear deterrence" and maintain a "prompt and precise" response posture for its nuclear forces to tackle "strategic threats" to both national and regional security.